Need some black out advice

[b4tn]

I need to start over fresh and resent the tank so to speak. I noticed my water clouding more than usual so I did a water change and my floss was bright green. I decreased my lighting from 12 to 10 hours and thismorning the clouding was even worse not to mention the fine green algae all over everything else. I sat down and read Tom Barrs article on the EI method and I think I have a pretty good idea what needs to be done now.

So I want to try and start over with a blackout. I did a water change and covered the tank. I plan on blacking out for 3 days changing the floss in my canister filter every day. I was going to drop an airstone in for airation but what about CO2 injection and dosing? Should I stop for 3 days until I turn the lights back on and do the final water change?

 

[Toirtis]

You, have, I assume, live plants in your tank? Personally, I would slow CO2 output, but not stop it completely...but I have not had to do a complete, 3-day blackout on any planted tank that was CO2 injected, so I am not sure if simply shutting off the CO2 might not be marginally better.

 

[travis simonson]

I've always done blackouts while leaving the CO2 running but I use a pH controller so I never had to worry about it building up. If you're not using a pH controller I agree with Toirtis, turn it down a bit to avoid any possible build-ups, but don't turn it completely off. The airstone is also a good idea. Also consider keeping the tank temp at 77F or lower during the blackout as most algae does better above 77F. Good luck

 

[b4tn]

I do have a controller So I will keep the CO2 up. What about dosing ferts? Should I keep my normal dosing routine?

 

[travis simonson]

Discontinue dosing of ferts during the blackout. The plants will not use them and they will build up.

 

[b4tn]

Blackout is doing wonders. Its only been two days, no dosing, and CO2 is set at 40ppm. I have been peaking daily with a flash light and it looks like the green carpet of Algae I had on the substrate is gone and the green algae on plant leaves is nearly gone.

Its funny though, looks like my plants have continued to grow and grow fast. I am going to have to do a hefty trim once I turn the lights back on. I also noticed a bunch of worms swimming in the water. I researched them and even got a name for them but I dont recall right now but from what I gather they are harmless.

Since I put my CO2 to diffused through the canister filter I feel I am getting much better distribution than the little ladder in the back from before. With a little more knowledge on dosing if all goes well i will keep the algae under control this time.